The two stood facing each other, exchanging a few words before falling silent again.
They looked at each other.
Shen Mingzhu regarded the handsome man before her with no particular thoughts.
But the man, looking at her, felt his heart surge.
Before he had truly known her, in his mind, she was merely the younger sister of Shen Yun, the youngest imperial physician in the current court.
However, after following her for these past few days, he had discovered many of her hidden qualities.
She appeared delicate on the outside, but was actually incredibly strong within.
At Chen Jin Ji, she had resolved numerous problems that others could not.
Whatever the issue.
Moreover, she was extremely approachable, never putting on airs or acting superior due to a change in her status.
If anyone needed her, a simple call would bring her running to assist.
She was so wonderful, better than any woman he had known before.
He felt an urgent desire to spend his life with her.
Yet, meeting her clear, bright phoenix eyes, he found himself momentarily speechless.
He dared not speak casually, fearing he might offend her.
Shen Mingzhu held no special feelings for him, but out of gratitude for his help on several occasions, she maintained a pleasant demeanor towards him.
Her sister-in-law had always advised her to make friends when traveling, as they might be useful later.
If one offended everyone, there would be no one to turn to for help when needed.
Furthermore, in Shen Mingzhu's opinion, Liang Jingting, the young lord, was quite alright.
He seemed easy to get along with, possessed a righteous heart, and, as her sister-in-law had mentioned, maintained proper conduct with women.
With this thought, Shen Mingzhu’s gaze softened as she looked at him. "Let's go inside."
Liang Jingting snapped back to reality, realizing he had followed Shen Mingzhu out intending to ask about their relationship.
But now, the words refused to come.
He mused that continuing to interact like this was also quite good.
As long as she didn't mention marriage, he wouldn't either. If anyone from her household brought it up, he would be the first to propose!
Unbeknownst to Liang Jingting, during the time he and Shen Mingzhu were away, his helpful mother had already approached Madam Zhao to discuss their marriage.
However, to maintain harmony, she had phrased her proposal delicately.
After all, despite their family’s noble status, her son's history of his wives passing away was a known fact.
Mingzhu was such a fine young woman, and it would be a pity if she were burdened by her son’s reputation.
Fortunately, having Master Yuan Hui's endorsement gave her the courage to bring it up in front of Madam Zhao.
Madam Zhao was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. She instinctively glanced at Su Xiao Qi.
She was quite confused about the matter.
Her thoughts were still occupied by Chen Jia An.
Recalling their childhood affection, she worried that if their family, now in better circumstances, severed ties with the Chen family just to build a connection with the royal household, it wouldn't be proper.
Su Xiao Qi remembered she hadn't yet told Madam Zhao about Chen Jia An’s past actions, but this was not the right time or place for it.
She replied, "We are grateful for the Princess Consort's favor, but Mingzhu is still young. We plan to keep her with us for a couple more years."
"Uh, perhaps we could arrange an engagement first..." Princess Consort Xiang was impatient. Ever since she learned of her son's feelings, she had been anticipating this day.
She had even rehearsed the conversation in her mind countless times.
However, the other party neither rejected nor accepted, which was frustrating.
Thus, she became a little anxious.
Huan Niang quickly pulled her aside.
Liang Xi Er also tugged at her sleeve from the other side.
She understood Sister Xiao Qi; her saying this meant there was potential, just not now.
Huan Niang, on the other hand, did not understand Su Xiao Qi. She simply felt this approach was improper. Having been meek her entire life, she never wished to force someone to make a statement.
As it turned out, the mother and daughter had done the right thing.
Given Madam Zhao’s lack of understanding of the situation, she was certainly unwilling to give a definitive answer.
Princess Consort Xiang also realized she had been too hasty.
Now that Madam Zhao remained silent, a faint, awkward atmosphere settled in.
Liang Xi Er stood up and spoke to Su Xiao Qi, breaking the awkward silence.
The important matter had been addressed without a response.
Just then, Shen Mingzhu and Liang Jingting returned one after the other.
Upon seeing this, Princess Consort Xiang's previously uncertain heart regained its confidence.
Perhaps she had been too eager.
Su Xiao Qi also glanced at Shen Mingzhu, noting her calm expression, and felt slightly relieved.
After another quarter of an hour, Su Xiao Qi saw them out.
As they left, Liang Xi Er informed her that Brother Xiao Ze would be going to the Western Regions in a few days.
Su Xiao Qi was startled. He was leaving?
"Brother Xiao Ze asked me to invite Sister to the manor for a meal.
Together as brothers and sisters!"
Su Xiao Qi agreed.
She definitely had to go.
After seeing them off, Su Xiao Qi returned to the reception hall and found Madam Zhao still seated, talking with Shen Mingzhu.
Both their eyes were slightly red. Su Xiao Qi surmised what they had been discussing.
She remained silent.
However, Madam Zhao called out to her, "Xiao Qi, I know everything about Chen Jia An. Since it wasn't our fault, let it be.
Each of us will marry separately, and we will all live in peace."
Madam Zhao also expressed her relief that they hadn't exchanged any tokens of affection in Mianzhou City.
Otherwise, Mingzhu’s reputation might have been tarnished.
After all, someone who had been betrothed was different from a maiden with a clean slate.
Concurrently, she inquired about Su Xiao Qi's opinion of the Prince of Xiang’s heir.
Su Xiao Qi nodded. "The Prince of Xiang's heir is quite a decent person."
This was not a casual remark; Su Xiao Qi and Shen Yun had already vetted him.
Now, it primarily depended on Shen Mingzhu's wishes.
If she was inclined, Su Xiao Qi would approve.
Of course, if she disagreed or had a better option, Su Xiao Qi would support her wholeheartedly and follow her lead.
Upon hearing her thoughts, Madam Zhao sighed.
Shen Mingzhu, no longer able to contain herself, threw herself into her embrace, expressing her gratitude.
However, she truly did not wish to discuss matters of the heart at present.
Thus, the matter was temporarily set aside.
The following day, with a smooth and gentle breeze, Su Xiao Qi, accompanied by Zhang Yu, arrived at Su Ze's temporary residence in the capital.
As he had been appointed a third-rank official, the residence was bestowed by the imperial decree.
Su Xiao Qi had initially thought he would remain in the capital.
To her surprise, he was still being transferred.
By the time Su Xiao Qi arrived, everyone else was already there.
Their group of over twenty brothers and sisters had never been complete before.
And this occasion was no exception.
Several were still in Mianzhou City, guarding Su Xiao Qi's supermarket and the granaries.
A few younger ones were still studying and acquiring new knowledge there.
However, there was little to regret.
The progress they had made from being scorned by everyone to reaching their current standing was already remarkable.
Their reunion was filled with joy.
Thus, upon meeting, they conversed cheerfully and were overjoyed.
When it was time for the meal, Su Xiao Qi, Su Ze, Xiao Yi, Liang Xi Er, and Xiao San Zi, being the elder ones, sat at the head of the table.
The younger ones sat around another table below.
The dishes were abundant, and everyone at the table had grown up together, able to pick up any topic of conversation, creating a lively atmosphere.
After a period of revelry.
Once the younger group had eaten their fill and gathered to play,
Su Xiao Qi, Su Ze, Xiao Yi, and Liang Xi Er remained in the hall, drinking tea.
"Brother Ze, you said you were going to stay in the capital and join the three major camps. Why are you leaving again?" Xiao Yi asked, looking puzzled.
Xiao Yi's confusion was shared by Su Xiao Qi, who also hadn't fully understood the reason.